Tag Archives: veterans public transit

In appreciation of the men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces, Omnitrans is honored to offer veterans a new discounted fare and bus passes beginning January 5, 2015. The new Veterans fare will be accepted on all Omnitrans routes including the sbX rapid line, 215 freeway express, 25 local bus routes, and 5 OmniGo community shuttle routes. It is not valid for Access ADA curb-to-curb service.

VETERAN FARE PRICES

Veterans will be able to purchase veteran passes for 50% less than the full fare. The cost of the new veteran passes will be:

Cash $0.75

Day Pass $2.25

7-Day Pass $8.00

31-Day Pass $27.50.

DISCOUNT ELIGIBILITY WITH PROPER I.D.

Under the new policy, veterans are required to show a valid Veterans ID card while boarding in order to receive discounted fare. Acceptable ID cards include:

County Veteran ID cards are available at the Hesperia, Rancho Cucamonga, and San Bernardino offices of Veterans Affairs free of charge.

Active duty military

Active duty military personnel may ride Omnitrans buses for free, excluding Access curb-to-curb service. They must wear the appropriate uniform at the time of boarding and present a valid U.S. Unformed Services ID card indicating active service or a Common Access card indicating uniformed services or active duty.

On May 8th, Omnitrans was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Veterans Employment Committee for the agency’s support of its annual Honor A Hero – Hire a Vet Job & Resource Fair. (HaH-HaV)

“When the organizers of the HaH-HaV asked me if VetLink could help out with transportation support for unemployed veterans, I knew right away that Omnitrans would step up,” said Veterans Specialist Osvaldo Maysonet. “Omnitrans Outreach Specialist Nicole Ramos immediately said ‘What do you need?’ That’s the goodwill spirit Omnitrans has towards our veterans.”

“Omnitrans is proud to support veterans and organizations such as the Veterans Employment Committee,” said Ramos. “Their annual job fair provides great opportunities for our former servicemen and women. Our own agency is living proof that hiring vets works –we are privileged to have 82 veterans on staff!”

Military veterans often possess the skills and training that match jobs in public transportation. Just as they served our country in a variety of ways, veterans are deployed in a variety of roles at Omnitrans, from Coach Operator to Equipment Mechanic, Department Director and more.

Army veteran Paul and his wife Hannah with their children7-year-old Maddox and 1-year-old Jayce

For many people, the bus is more than just simple transportation. Sometimes it’s the tipping point that helps them turn their lives around and get a fresh start. That’s why Omnitrans partners with organizations like VetLink, which helps connect veterans, active military, and their families with services and destinations they rely on every day.

Army veteran Paul, his wife Hannah and their two children 1-year-old Jayce and 7-year-old Maddox, are a perfect example of how VetLink helps change lives. For the past three months the family has been homeless, living in shelters and trying desperately to get on their feet again. And they have had a lot of challenges to overcome.

Hannah and Maddox

Hannah has struggled with addiction issues, and Paul with anxiety and depression. Paul lost his job of 10 years and found a commission-based job that barely covered food and diapers. The family eventually lost their home because they could no longer afford to make the payments. The couple is now working on rebuilding their family.

It’s a commitment that means everything to them, and they are determined to make it work. But they couldn’t do it alone. They called VetLink, a project of 2-1-1 San Bernardino County.

When he received the family’s call, Vetlink representative Osvaldo Maysonet sprang into action. “Thanks to assistance from Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing, the family had just moved into a subsidized apartment in San Bernardino.” he explained. “The problem was, they literally had nothing. Normally we refer people to an agency that might be able to assist them. But this family’s situation was so bad, I didn’t want to do that. Instead I went through my network of contacts to share their story and ask for help.”

A very tired Jayce falls asleep in his dad’s arms

The first night in their new apartment Paul and Hannah spent the night on the tile floor with just a sheet to cover them. Maddox slept on a blanket and little Jayce in the Pack and Play he has almost outgrown.

“People here were so kind,” said Hannah. “One of our neighbors came over and brought us dinner and offered to let us use their fridge for the baby’s bottles. Another neighbor brought us an old sheet to hang on one of the front windows for privacy.”

“It was so unexpected,” agreed Paul. “You talk to people and realize that they’ve been in the same boat as you. We’re all trying to overcome problems and turn our lives around. Nobody here has a lot, but they were still willing to share with us.”

Maddox excitedly shows off the family’s new fridge.”My dad makes the best roast beef sandwiches ever!” he told us with a grin.

By the second night, Osvaldo’s contacts had come through with help. Donations of couches, a refrigerator and a twin bed for Maddox were delivered to the family’s home. Osvaldo himself stopped by, his arms filled with grocery bags. “I work with a lot of very caring individuals,” he said. “And they sent you guys some stuff: some food, bed sheets for Maddox, shampoo, toilet paper, paper towels, blankets and a box of diapers. Someone has also donated a bedroom set that will be delivered tonight.”

The family was stunned by the generosity of the donors. “We’ve been so blessed,” said Hannah. “It is amazing how people are reaching out to help. It means so much to us.”

Omnitrans has been another important step in changing their lives. The family completely relies on the bus to meet all their everyday needs including groceries, appointments, AA meetings and trips to the VA hospital. They even depend on the bus to ride with Maddox to and from school.

Jayce plays with a truck donated by a little boy who wanted to share some of his own toys with the family.

“Maddox loves school,” said Hannah proudly. “He just got an award for excellence in writing. The last two weeks have been really rough because we moved from the homeless shelter we were in, and I didn’t have any way to get him to school. He ended up missing almost a week. Today he came home crying because he only got 10% on his spelling test. I hugged him and told him it was okay, that next week we’ll just do better. He’s such an incredible kid and so happy all the time.”

Although there are still challenges ahead, the family is hopeful for the future. They are making friends in the community and have even been invited to join the local church.

“We feel so blessed by all we’ve been given,” said Hannah. “I really feel like there was a higher power at work. Our family has been given a fresh start, and we’re grateful for VetLink, Osvaldo, Omnitrans and all the people who helped make that happen.”

Osvaldo Maysonet (rear) from VetLink helped secure living essentials for the veteran family through his network of contacts.